A large number of people gathered in Yau Ma Tei and clamored for unauthorized assembly and prohibited group gatherings, in violation of the Public Order Ordinance and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition of Group Gathering) Regulations. The police have issued multiple warnings to the people, asking them to stop their illegal activities, but some people refused to follow the police’s instructions and continued to assemble. The police stepped up patrols and took enforcement actions in relevant areas. As of 3:30 pm, about 30 people in the Yau Ma area were arrested on suspicion of illegal assembly; two other men were respectively suspected of committing offences of misconduct in public places and possession of Part 1 poisons ; A woman is suspected of broadcasting slogans promoting Hong Kong’s independence, violating the Hong Kong National Security Act, assaulting police officers and obstructing police officers from performing their duties.
The police reiterated that it is not only illegal to conduct unapproved and banned group gatherings, it is also unethical and seriously increases the risk of virus transmission. The police will continue to enforce the law strictly to protect the safety of the community.